Engaging public is key, say candidates

Dec. 8, 2012

Mayor Robert Romano

Written by

Ruben Bermudez

EXPLORING THE ISSUES

This is the third installment in a series of stories exploring the Vineland mayoral candidates’ views on issues ahead of the Dec. 18 runoff election. Today’s topic: What would be the benefit of the public becoming more involved in city government through special committees, panels and volunteerism?

At a glance

The Dec. 18 runoff also includes the race to decide the next City Council. Ten candidates are competing for the five, four-year council seats.

VINELAND — Mayoral candidates Robert Romano and Ruben Bermudez agree they want local residents to provide input for decisions that affect their community.

However, each candidate has his own ideas for the best ways to involve the public.

Romano, who seeks re-election to a second term, and Bermudez, a former City Council president, are vying for Vineland government’s top post in the Dec. 18 runoff election.

The runoff election was needed after none of the candidates in the Nov. 6 general election received more than 50 percent of the vote. There also are 10 candidates competing for five seats in a council runoff election Dec. 18.

“Before I took office, there was not one group or organization that had been formed to involve local residents,” said Romano, a retired police lieutenant whose campaign slogan is “Proven Progress.”

Romano noted one of the first things he did when he took office was establish a Veterans Welcome Home Committee to identify local soldiers returning from war and properly recognize their contributions. He meets with each soldier, and committee members help support soldier needs.

Romano has reached out to constituents in other ways, too.

“We held three meet-and-greets to allow residents to my office and talk about their concerns,” he said. “Two of them we held after hours so people who worked could attend.”

Romano said he also formed a Human Relations Committee comprising different civic groups to help defuse problems in the community.

“It’s important to have the community involved, and we do have the community involved,” Romano said.

But Bermudez said the mayor’s efforts aren’t enough, and he promised to do more if elected.

“As I have said repeatedly throughout this campaign, communities are strongest when residents are involved and participate in the civic process,” said Bermudez, who own Juvante Formal Wear on Landis Avenue and is campaigning on the slogan “Moving Forward Together.”

Bermudez said one of his first tasks as mayor would be to appoint a Citizens Budget Advisory Committee.

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“While the mayor and City Council clearly set the budget, we must strengthen public confidence that the city is acting as a wise steward of taxpayer resources,” he said.

Bermudez said he would listen to the committee’s advice, insight and cost-saving ideas when setting budget priorities.

“An engaged public demands that government be efficient, responsive, transparent and accountable,” he said.

Romano said he also gains insight into what the public wants by listening to residents who call him to complain, by talking with residents during special events and through his weekly appearances on four local radio shows.

Romano said he took with him to the mayor’s office much of his police academy training, including sensitivity training that gave him insight into dealing with the public.

“You also learn to treat people the way you would want to be treated,” he said.

Romano said he uses emails, Facebook and Twitter to connect with Vineland residents of all ages and ethnic groups. He said he uses social media to field complaints and answer questions.

As mayor, Bermudez said he would “be more open to the public’s input and participation.”

“As a result, citizens will become better educated about public policies and government activities,” he said.

“And by tapping into the experience and expertise of their constituents,” Bermudez said, “officials can build a more effective and responsive government.”

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